2014 Honda CTX1300 | First Look Review

Having scored a success on the showroom floor with the innovative sport/touring/cruiser hybrid CTX700, Honda is upping the ante with the new 2014 CTX1300, which is designed to fit in a slot between the smaller CTX and the Gold Wing F6B.

The 2014 Honda CTX1300 isn’t quite all-new, as its V4 motor is sourced from the now-discontinued ST1300 sport tourer. While it externally may look like the old V4, inside there have been big changes to the motor so it matches the multi-purposes of the CTX1300.

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Honda sees the CTX1300 as a motorcycle that is for “short commutes or longer travels; a bike for people who want bags without all the baggage.” Those bags are bolted on, however, and are not casually removable, although Honda tells us the CTX1300 does look good with the bags off.

The fairing is of interest to touring riders who want some protection (the short windshield can be swapped out for a taller version), as well as urban riders who want that muscular look (and will keep the shorty screen). It may not look particularly sporty, but Honda assures us that its acceleration and handling will be well above that of a cruiser-based bagger.

“This big-displacement V-4 CTX1300 carries the same family emphasis on class-leading comfort, new technology, easy-to-operate features and remarkable versatility as the 700s released earlier this year,” American Honda Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino says, “but packs an extra dose of features and performance.

Weighing in at 724 pounds at the curb and a seat height a hair over 29 inches, the CTX’s weight is carried low, thanks to an underseat fuel tank. Honda went with a 200mm rear tire to give the CTX1300 that tough-guy cruiser look, yet still retain a respectable amount of agility in corners.

Technological highlights include a speedometer/tachometer cluster with LCD information screen, LED headlight with halo accent lighting, plus LED taillight and turn signals.

One feature the 2014 CTX1300 surprisingly does lack is an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission option for the manual 5-speed transmission. According to Honda, it was not practical to retrofit the DCT to the ST1300 powerplant, so that feature was left off.

With 45 years of riding experience, Don Williams is a fan of all kinds of motorcycles. He's enjoys sport bikes, cruisers, dirt bikes, touring bikes, adventure bikes, dual sport bikes, and rideable customs. Ask him what his favorite bike is and he will tell you, "Whatever bike I'm on."

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